Only a tiny minority of local authorities now employ a member of staff dedicated to improving access for disabled people in their area, new research has found.
Disability Rights UK (DR UK) has found just 15 of 222 English councils that responded to a freedom of information request said they employed a dedicated access officer, or a staff member with a similar job.
Access officers have duties such as responding to complaints and questions about disability access; providing advice on access design issues, for example with road crossings, traffic calming and street furniture; supporting local access groups; and providing technical advice on planning applications.
Many of the councils that told DR UK they did not employ an access officer said all their officers were expected to have knowledge of access and equality issues, while others said the duties mentioned by DR UK were spread among several of their officers.
But some were blunter in their responses.
One said: “The council can confirm that we do not hold such a position or commission an access officer.”
Another council said: “The Borough does not employ an access officer and has not done so [for] some years.”
A third council told DR UK it did not employ an access officer, but it added: “All staff are aware of the above mentioned duties and responsibilities under the DDA*.”
And a fourth local authority replied: “We do not employ an access officer. We would seek expert advice as and when required.”
Some of the councils that said they did employ an access officer – although sometimes giving the role a different title, such as inclusive design officer, or access and inclusion adviser – include Brighton and Hove City Council, Buckinghamshire Council, Liverpool City Council and Norfolk County Council.
Mikey Erhardt, DR UK’s policy and campaigns officer, who carried out the research, said: “Creating accessible communities and spaces requires local authority officers and planners’ skill, care and dedication.
“This research shows that the years of austerity and underinvestment in our local councils have had a clear loser: disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
“If we continue to see fewer and fewer skilled access officers or equivalents, then we will continue to be excluded by local authorities, being unable to undertake the important work of co-production and co-design needed to create truly accessible spaces.”
He added: “The evidence shows that local authorities are not prioritising planning with our needs and desires in mind.
“We cannot be surprised that in this context, with so few skilled access officers, many disabled people feel ignored, excluded, and unsupported.”
Erhardt (pictured) said: “Being active and navigating our neighbourhood in a way that suits us and is fun is not a luxury; it should be a core part of our lives, regardless of background.
“Being an active part of the community requires safe, accessible community infrastructure, from safe road crossings to high-quality pavements to accessible mobility lane options.
“But the current lack of these options speaks to our wider exclusion from society.
“We all have a right to live free, independent, and healthy lives.
“To do this, we need more than transport options; we need safe and accessible walking, wheeling, cycling, and driving environments, and clean air to breathe.”
Disability News Service approached the Local Government Association for a comment on the research, but a spokesperson said her colleagues “don’t feel they know enough about the issue to provide valuable input”.
But Glyn Hayes, parliamentary and public affairs coordinator for Spinal Injuries Association, said access officers play “a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with spinal cord injuries receive the support they need”.
He said: “When someone sustains a spinal cord injury, their life can change dramatically, and their familiar home environment may no longer be safe or suitable.
“Navigating the complexities of finding a new home or updating an existing one can be overwhelming, especially when it involves council support or funding.
“Unfortunately, we often hear of cases where people with spinal cord injuries end up in hospitals or inappropriate settings due to decision-makers’ lack of awareness about their unique needs.
“With local government budget cuts and overwhelmed departments, staff may struggle to allocate the necessary time and effort to ensure true equality in accessing services.
“Access officers bridge this gap by advocating for those with protected characteristics, ensuring not only recognition but also a deep understanding of their requirements.
“Their role is vital in promoting equality and accessibility.”
*The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) was replaced by the Equality Act 14 years ago
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